Teachers Talkin'

In this episode, Dustin and Ghazali welcome Marlene Tapia Garcia to talk about what it really takes to move growth mindset beyond classroom posters and into daily practice that creates more equitable learning opportunities. Marlene shares how students’ confidence is shaped by past experiences and why “I can’t” often reflects learned beliefs—not ability. She explains how teachers can build systems that make growth visible and attainable, including self-paced and mastery-based structures, consistent feedback, meaningful revision opportunities, and student leadership roles like peer “teacher assistants.” Marlene also brings in her perspective as an educator from Mexico working in a two-way dual...

Dustin Tatroe and Ghazali Abdul Wahab celebrate the 50th episode of Teachers Talkin’ with a Podcasthon bonus episode spotlighting the Les Turner ALS Foundation. They reflect on five standout moments: Joe Dale on AI for language learning (and improving podcast sound quality), their boundaries-and-balance episode on avoiding burnout, Connie Rasmussen on outdoor learning, Kip Morales on building classroom relationships through environment, energy, positivity, and student-led structures, and Ryan Nicholas Leon on student wellbeing through creative role-play and channeling student energy. They share honorable mentions featuring Rob Barnett (Modern Classrooms Project), Bobby Canosa- Carr (challenging school power dynamics), Dean Marolla (pr...

In this Teachers Talkin’ episode, hosts Dustin Tatroe and Ghazali Abdul Wahab continue their US–Singapore grading conversation by focusing on sustainable grading practices that reduce teacher burnout. Ghazali explains how grading load varies by subject, how large class sizes and detailed rubrics create feedback delays, and how Singapore’s system relies on frequent formative tracking (often numeric, in systems like SLS or spreadsheets) with seasonal spikes during weighted assessments. Dustin contrasts US expectations that “everything counts,” arguing gradebooks should prioritize independent demonstrations of mastery rather than soft skills like homework completion or timeliness, and he shares strategies including limiting g...

Dustin Tatroe and Ghazali Abdul Wahab launch a two-part conversation on “grades that tell the truth,” focusing in Part 1 on accuracy—what grades should measure, why they often don’t, and how grading practices shape teacher workload and student motivation. They compare contexts in Singapore and the United States: Ghazali outlines Singapore’s high-stakes structure (PSLE with banded scoring, O/N Level exams, removal of midyear exams, and three weighted assessments plus a year-end exam that make up recorded grades), where most day-to-day work is formative and not entered into the gradebook. Dustin contrasts this with common U.S. practices...

In this episode, Dustin and Ghazali welcome Jennifer Hartman, an associate principal at Memorial Junior High in Lansing, Illinois, to discuss the critical importance of structured mentoring programs in education. Jennifer shares her unique journey from aspiring dentist to educational leader and her passion for supporting new educators. They dive into the development of effective mentoring strategies that not only improve teacher retention but also create lasting pipelines of leadership in schools. Jennifer highlights the importance of classroom management, personalized mentoring approaches, and the profound impact of mentors in her own career. Whether you're an educator or an administrator...

Dustin and Ghazali dive into the crucial topic of teacher retention in this episode titled "Why Teachers Stay and Why They Leave." They address the guiding question: What keeps teachers in the classroom, and how do we make teaching sustainable without lowering expectations for students or educators? They discuss common misconceptions about teacher attrition, emphasizing issues beyond pay, such as professional autonomy and administrative support. Dustin and Gali also explore signs of teacher burnout, share personal experiences, and offer strategies to create a balanced and sustainable teaching environment. They highlight the importance of trust, autonomy, collegial support, and professional...

Dustin and Ghazali dive deep into the topic of cultural awareness and internationalization in education on this episode of Teachers Talking. Their guiding question: How can educators create meaningful connections across cultures locally, nationally, and globally, so students grow in empathy, understanding, and real-world readiness? They start by defining culture in a school context, discussing both visible and invisible layers, and the importance of students understanding that culture is something within them every day—shaped by their families, values, and lived experiences. They highlight strategies to help students see and respect cultural differences and overcome challenges such as language ba...

Dustin and Ghazali are joined by Aditya Prakash, founder & CEO of SKIDOS Labs, to explore how playful design can turn “screen time” into learning time for our youngest learners. Their guiding question: How can beloved characters, adaptive game design, and thoughtful UX turn practice into joyful mastery for every child—without overstimulation?

With SKIDOS focused on ages 3–7, Aditya shares why open-ended pretend play is the engine of engagement, how the team aligns early numeracy/literacy/SEL to global outcomes, and why parents are part of the loop from onboarding to progress dashboards. He explains accessibility choices guided by WCAG...

Dustin and Ghazali get real about parent communication in Hard Conversations, Strong Partnerships—a practical episode on preventing most tense meetings before they ever happen. Their guiding question: How can teachers head off 80% of “hard” parent conferences—and turn the rest into collaborative problem-solving?

They share concrete moves for the first weeks of school (positive check-ins, asking families’ contact preferences, and steady transparency around grades/expectations), plus systems that keep everyone aligned: student-led bi-weekly update emails, inviting parents into LMS/grade portals, work portfolios to make progress visible, and simple co-created trackers (from blue-book notes to assignment checklists...

Dustin and Ghazali flip roles in this episode as Ghazali joins as the guest to talk about a question he’s been helping educators tackle around the world: How can we harness AI to enhance instruction while protecting the human connection that makes great teaching possible?

Drawing on two years of classroom work in Singapore, Ghazali shares concrete examples of AI’s real impact on students—from custom chatbots that helped his class prepare for high-stakes interviews and resumes, to a writing process where students plan and draft first, then use AI mind maps and feedback to refine...

Dustin and Ghazali are joined by Mirriam Chintu to explore how something as simple as “try again” can transform how students see themselves as learners. Their guiding question: How can positive reinforcement reshape the way students experience learning and behavior in school?

Drawing on more than 20 years of teaching experience from grades 3–7 and now junior secondary English in Zambia, Mirriam shares how students’ home lives, histories, and daily struggles show up in the classroom—and why that context matters when they make mistakes. She reflects on the damage caused by shame, harsh responses, and labeling, and contrasts that with...

Dustin and Ghazali are joined by Theresa McSweeney to unpack what blended and hybrid learning really look like when they work—beyond the buzzwords. Their guiding question: How can schools move from tools-first thinking to student-centered, teacher-powered models of learning?

With experience across K–6 and a current role as a digital support specialist, Theresa shares how teaching kindergarten online during the pandemic reshaped her practice and why she champions teacher autonomy, clear definitions, and safety-first digital citizenship. She traces her path from classroom teacher to STEM builder and coach, and explains how individual attention, creativity, and a posi...

Dustin and Ghazali are joined by Priya Aavla to unpack what truly supporting at-risk students looks like—beyond the buzzwords. Their guiding question: How can higher education shift from reacting to student struggles to creating proactive systems of support?

With over 16 years of experience working with students, faculty, and administrators, Priya brings a clear-eyed view of where gaps exist—and how institutions can close them. She shares what she’s learned from her work in student success, and makes the case that relationship-building and clear communication matter just as much as academic support.

The conversation covers...

Dustin and Ghazali are joined by Judy Raphalalane to dig into the essential—but often overlooked—role of mentorship in schools. Their guiding question: How can mentorship programs strengthen both new and experienced teachers, and help build healthier school cultures?

After 11 years in the private sector, Judy entered public education and was immediately struck by the culture shift. From the absence of formal orientation to a lack of defined roles and clear communication, she shares the challenges she faced and how mentorship could have made all the difference. Judy brings not just critique but a vision—one where...

Dustin and Ghazali sit down with Dr. Kevin Jennings to rethink what rigor actually looks like in classrooms—and why the old definitions no longer serve students or teachers. Their guiding question: How can we reimagine rigor in ways that deepen learning—without crushing students or teachers?

Drawing from 15 years of classroom experience across the U.S., South Korea, and Switzerland, Kevin brings a global lens to this conversation. He shares how game-based learning, authentic assessments, and curiosity-driven design can create classrooms that are both rigorous and joyful. Together, they question how rigor became a synonym for comp...

In the Season 3 premiere, Dustin and Ghazali dig into what it really takes to start the school year strong—beyond bulletin boards and icebreakers. They surface the real pressures of Week 1 and why mindset matters, then ground the conversation in practical moves teachers can use tomorrow. Their guiding question: How can educators begin the year in ways that build lasting routines, relationships, and resilience—for students and for ourselves?

Through personal stories and classroom-tested strategies, the hosts show how to turn early weeks into durable culture. They unpack CCC—clear, consistent, connected—classroom management; doorway greetings that lead str...

In the season 2 finale, Dustin and Ghazali reflect on the journey of Teachers Talkin’, what they’ve learned, and how podcasting has become a powerful pedagogical tool. They revisit the podcast’s origin, the connections they’ve built, and the stories that have shaped the show. Their guiding question: What role can storytelling and podcasting play in building community and transforming education?

Dustin and Ghazali share candid reflections on building a global educator network, how their own professional learning has evolved, and how podcasting has deepened their understanding of teacher-administrator relationships. They explore how podcasting is not only a m...

In this special podcast swap episode, we're sharing an episode from the Modern Classrooms Project Podcast—a show hosted by Toni Rose and Zach that explores instructional practice, classroom tech, student advocacy, and more through the lens of the Modern Classrooms instructional model: blended, self-paced, and mastery-based learning. Guests include classroom teachers, MCP mentors, school leaders, and students who’ve experienced the model firsthand.

In this episode, Toni Rose is joined by MCP mentor Cassandra Burdette to dive into the topic of student engagement—especially how to keep students connected and learning even when they’re absent. Cassandr...

Dustin and Ghazali ask the question "what does it take to lead lasting, ethical, and strategic school transformation from any seat in the building?" to Danielle Craig.

Danielle is an experienced school leader with a track record of significant and effective school improvement. She is a level 7 qualified coach and now works for herself and in schools as an executive coach and educational consultant. She is passionate about developing people, leadership, and workplace culture and has expertise in strategic leadership, curriculum development, and teaching and learning. She understands the challenges leaders face and how the right support...

Burnout is real—and for educators, it often creeps in quietly until it's too loud to ignore. In this episode, Ghazali and Dustin dive into real talk about how teachers can reclaim their time, protect their peace, and set boundaries that stick.

🎙️ Our guiding question: How can educators create and sustain boundaries that support both their well-being and professional impact?

Together, they share lived experiences and practical strategies that teachers and leaders can apply immediately—without guilt. Topics include early burnout warning signs, how to reset when boundaries slip, and why systemic support matters just as much a...

In this episode, Dustin and Ghazali sit down with Dr. Aditya Nagrath, founder of Elephant Learning Mathematics Academy, to explore the roots of math anxiety and how a gamified, mindset-shifting approach can help students regain confidence and mastery in math.

Our guiding question: How can we reframe math education to overcome anxiety and help all students succeed?

Dr. Aditya Nagrath (he/him) is a PhD in Mathematics & Computer Science, seasoned software engineer, and founder of Elephant Learning Mathematics Academy. With over 30 years in the tech industry—ranging from atomic clocks to mobile apps—Dr. Nagrath deve...

Dustin and Ghazali sit down with Tom Kaster, founder of The Datafied Classroom, to explore how teachers can unlock the power of classroom data without becoming data scientists. They dive into practical tools, strategies, and mindset shifts that make data more usable and less overwhelming—ultimately helping educators better support student learning.

Tom was a secondary mathematics teacher for nearly 20 years, teaching on five continents and in seven countries. His global experience led him to launch The Datafied Classroom, a company focused on transforming student and classroom data into visual, actionable insights for teachers and school leaders.

Dustin Tatroe and Ghazali chat with Chelsea Marone, former teacher and principal, now working with Kaiba, an AI-powered edtech tool. They explore how AI can help educators by reducing burnout, streamlining tasks, and improving instruction without replacing teachers. Chelsea highlights Kaiba’s features, ethical AI use, and the future of AI in education.

Chelsea Marone loves all things education! As a former teacher and principal, she has spent almost a decade in elementary schools in both rural and urban school districts. During this time, she taught special education in the most restrictive to the least restrictive environments, fe...

Dustin and Ghazali talk with Javier Payano, a Chicago-based educator and co-founder of the Human Values Collective, about integrating universal human values into education. Javier shares his journey from music education to advocating for Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) and character development. They explore how Love, Truth, Peace, Non-Violence, and Right Action can transform classrooms, helping both students and teachers cultivate emotional awareness and resilience. Javier also discusses the challenges of implementing SEL, strategies for overcoming resistance, and the importance of teacher well-being in fostering a values-driven learning environment.

Javier Payano has taught music in Chicago for...

Dustin and Ghazali sit down with Diah Asdini to explore the challenges and strategies behind effective parent-teacher communication. They discuss how teachers can build positive relationships with parents, set clear boundaries, and handle difficult conversations. From cultural perspectives to practical tools, this episode offers valuable insights for educators looking to strengthen their collaboration with families.

Diah Asdini is an educator and entrepreneur based in Indonesia. She began as a tutor in college and later founded her own teaching business, focusing on bridging the gap between school and home life.

Join the conversation and share your...

Dustin and Ghazali talk with Robert Barnett, co-founder of the Modern Classrooms Project and author of Meet Every Learner’s Needs, to explore how hybrid and blended learning can create more inclusive and effective classrooms. Our guiding question is, How can hybrid and blended learning models transform education to better support every student?

About Our Guest

Robert Barnett is an educator, author, and advocate for modern, student-centered learning. He co-founded the Modern Classrooms Project (https://modernclassrooms.org), which has empowered over 80,000 educators worldwide to implement blended, self-paced, and mastery-based learning. Before that, he taught various su...

Dustin and Ghazali talk with Bobby Canosa-Carr, author of Can I Go To The Bathroom? And Other Asinine Questions We Ask in School, to discuss how current policies shape our schools and how we can advocate for meaningful change. Our guiding question is, ‘What shifts are necessary in education policy and culture to empower students and educators alike?

Bobby Canosa-Carr (he/him) is a leadership coach, a former teacher and principal, and a public education executive. He is a pioneer in personalized & project-based learning, restorative practices, and mentoring in schools. Recently, Bobby published his first book, entitled "Ca...

Dustin and Ghazali celebrate 1 year of the podcast, over 1,000 downloads, reflect on the first half of season 2, and preview the second half of season 2. It was a fun podcast to go live for the first time and we hope you enjoy it as much as we did!

We are always looking for passionate members of the education world to join us and talk about tips and strategies to support teachers! You don't have to be any kind of expert, just someone who is passionate about education and teachers. If that is you, please fill out this form...

In this episode, Dustin and Ghazali talk with Kalaivani Pallavanraja to discuss how mentorship programs benefit both new and experienced teachers, and what the key elements are of an effective mentorship program. Kalaivani has 5000+ hours of teaching ESL, Business English to learners from 60+ countries | 150+ mentoring sessions for online ESL Educators| Cambridge certified trainer, Mentor Teacher. You can find her on LinkedIn if you want to connect and learn more: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kalaivanipallavanraja/

We are always looking for passionate members of the education world to join us and talk about tips and strategies to support...

In this episode, Dustin and Ghazali talk with Conni Rasmussen to discuss the unique benefits of outdoor education and how educators can incorporate outdoor learning into their curriculum for deeper engagement.

Growing up near the water Conni was either under it, in it, or in a watercraft. It was her playground and later became the playground of her boys. Combining her love for the outdoors and teaching, she earned a BS in Marine Biology and a MS from University of Oxford on International Science Education and Statistical Research Methods. Her career as a secondary science educator in...

In this episode, Dustin and Ghazali talk with Chitisha Gunnoo to answer the question, “How can educators connect with diverse student populations through culturally responsive teaching?” Chitisha is, a PhD candidate at the University of Mauritius, a 21st century educator, learning and development consultant and also a passionate about SDG aligned education.

Are you ready to transform your teaching? Join Dustin's Successful Educator Transformation workshop! Register at https://teachertutor.co/virtual-event

We are always looking for passionate members of the education world to join us and talk about tips and strategies to s...

In this episode, Dustin and Ghazali talk with Keith Wilhelmi to answer the question, "Should teachers prioritize teaching students how to outline, and if so, how can they do it effectively?"

Keith is a retired middle school life science teacher with over 42 years of experience in education. Keith has spent much of his post-retirement time creating resources to help teachers make outlining easier for students, especially in the sciences. Learn more about his method with this short video. You can get his Life Science book (which is good for more than just Life Science teachers...

In this episode, Dustin and Ghazali talk with Faja Akbar to answer the question, "How can educators effectively integrate 21st-century skills and technology to equip students for the future workplace?"

Fajarudin Akbar, the ambassador of the International English Language Teachers Association for Indonesia and a TESOL/TEFL Educator is an English language teacher and educational technology practitioner deeply committed to promoting sustainable learning and continuous professional development. He is passionate about growing and supporting educational communities that encourage and promote global sustainable learning for educators and students. You can visit his website at www.moocguru.com.

In this episode, Dustin and Ghazali talk with Ginean Royal to answer the question, "How can beginning teachers build confidence and develop the skills needed to teach like veteran educators?"

Ginean has been in education for 24 years. She's taught in elementary, middle, high school, and post secondary - mainly as a math instructor. She is currently an instructional coach where much of her time is working with the beginning teachers (those with 0-3 years experience). The reason she works mainly with beginning teachers is because when she started, she didn't have the teacher education background. Ginean didn't...

In this episode, Dustin and Ghazali talk with Joe Dale, an independent languages consultant and tech expert. The conversation is focused on how AI can enhance language learning. Joe dives into practical strategies that teachers can use to bring AI into their classrooms.

Joe Dale is an independent languages consultant from the UK who works with a range of organisations such as Network for Languages, ALL, The British Council, the BBC, Skype, Microsoft and The Guardian. He was host of the TES MFL forum for six years, former SSAT Languages Lead Practitioner, a regular conference...

Teachers Talkin' is BACK for Season 2! In this episode, Dustin and Ghazali focus on the question, "How can educators effectively cultivate a growth mindset in both students and themselves?" We explore practical strategies and insights to help teachers and students develop a growth mindset, which is essential for personal and academic growth.

We are always looking for passionate members of the education world to join us and talk about tips and strategies to support teachers! You don't have to be any kind of expert, just someone who is passionate about education and teachers. If that...

In this episode, Dustin and Ghazali wrap up Season 1 talking about the best ways to spend Summer Break. We focus on answering the question "How can teachers use their summer break to reflect, relax, recover, and prepare effectively for the upcoming school year?"

Teachers Talkin' with resume on Monday, August 26th for Season 2 with all new episodes, guests, and lots of great support!

In this episode, Dustin and Ghazali wrap up Season 1 talking about the best ways to spend Summer Break. We focus on answering the question "How can teachers use their summer break to reflect, relax, recover, and prepare effectively for the upcoming school year?"

Teachers Talkin' with resume on Monday, August 26th for Season 2 with all new episodes, guests, and lots of great support!

In this episode Ghazali talks to Dustin (as a guest) and Samantha Whitelaw, a veteran elementary school teacher who implements a self-paced classroom, as they focus on the overarching question "How does the self-pacing model enhance student learning experiences in both elementary and secondary classrooms?"

Samantha Ortiz Whitelaw has been in elementary education for over 14 years. She has taught 1st grade, 4th grade, and spent a few years supporting English Language Learners as an ESOL teacher and team lead (4-6th grades). Samantha has been implementing the Modern Classrooms model for about 4 years now in...

In this episode Dustin and Ghazali talk to Toni Rose Deanon, who hosts the Modern Classrooms Project and does Community Engagement for MCP, as they focus on the overarching question "How can a self-pacing model support teachers and students in finding more success than the traditional method of teaching?"

Toni Rose (they/them) has been an educator since 2010 with experiences ranging from MS English Teacher, Adult ESL Teacher, and Instructional Coach for Technology. Toni Rose strives to be the educator they never had growing up, so they focus on anti-bias, anti-racist work and aspire to...